First Generation Program Success Story: Shannon Conner

Shannon Conner is a 48 year old California native and mother of three children. As a result of life and health changes, she relocated to Central Florida.

How did Shannon discover Seminole State College?

"By happenstance I came across the Seminole State College entrance, visited the next day, and was DELIGHTED by the caring, attentive, and diverse faculty, staff, and students,” says Conner.

In Fall 2012, Conner began her educational dream and was heavily involved on campus. She served as founder and president of the college’s Non-Traditional Student Club, served as a peer mentor, and was a student lead for a Grant Campus Action Project. She was also employed on campus under the Federal Work Study program and a guest speaker for numerous campus functions representing the non-traditional student body.

Conner appreciated the camaraderie among her fellow first generation students and mentors – a close knit group that motivated one another and celebrated each other’s successes along the way.

"The First Generation Program has enabled me to expand my horizons in every way imaginable as a person, student and leader,” says Conner. “Personalized counseling and advising made it possible to tailor-make my most optimum academic experience while at Seminole State College.”

In Spring 2015, Conner graduated with honors, earning her Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree. As a winner of the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, she is continuing her education at Rollins College. She is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Communications and Leadership, en route to a law degree. In addition to philanthropic pursuits, she hopes to be an entrepreneur, public speaker and author.